[ Post a Response | Rhodesian Ridgebacks And Friends ]
Posted by Alyssa on 10/2/2008, 8:13 pm, in reply to "Multiple males in one home"
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If you're positive you've worked out the issues between Chance and Reagan, then I woudn't upset the balance by adding a third male, neutered or not. You're much likely to have better luck with a female than a male. I, too, prefer males, but I also need a peaceful household and I knew better than to permanently try to add a third male. When I've fostered males, there is always more jockeying for position than when we brought a female in. It made NO difference whether they were neutered or not. That said, I only know of one person who has more than 2 males in her home (most of which are neutered -- I believe only one, the youngest, is still intact) and while it works for her, it requires a strict routine and management that extends beyond the usual "NILIF" stuff. She also has many more years of RR experience than I, so she didn't go into this thinking it would be a simple situation.
Going from 2 to 3 is MUCH different than going from 1 to 2. Pack dynamics (including how they respond as a group to YOU) changes dramatically. Try reading (or watching the video) "Feeling Outnumbered?" by Patricia McConnell now -- it's very useful in thinking through adding #3 and preparing accordingly.
Finally, do allow an experienced, reputable breeder to guide your puppy selection based on what will work best for your situation and your boys' personalities.
-- Alyssa.
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